Our Sites

The New VW Golf R Is For Everyone Who Wants a WRX Hatch

People who want fast, AWD hatchbacks have been spurned by Subaru, and it feels like a break up letter delivered by a long term girlfriend. There's absolutely not going to be a WRX hatchback, and it's horrible.

Luckily for us, ze Germans are stepping up to the plate with this: the Volkswagen Golf R. It's based on the new Golf, but it's rocking a 290 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque 2.0L turbo I4 and a sport-tuned AWD system that can send all of the torque to the rear wheels, as well as sport suspension, and a surprisingly nice leather-appointed interior. Gear changes are managed via a six-speed manual that a quick driver can use to hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, or a dual-clutch automatic that any driver can use to hit the same speed in 4.9 seconds.

Despite this performance, the Golf R still manages a respectable 31 mpg on the highway. No word on pricing yet, however.